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Evana James

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How can ex situ conservation help to save Hawai'ia's disappearing flora. (2017)
Genetics

Brighamia insignis, also known as Olulu, Alula, or “cabbage on a stick”, is a shrub-like, semi-succulent caudiciform endemic to the Hawaiian islands of Kaua’i and Ni’ihau. B. insignis is one of only two species in the Brighamia genus, both being critically endangered in the wild. The main distinguishing feature separating the two species is their differing flower colors. Due to lack of genetic fitness, loss of sole pollinator, the threat of invasive plant and animal species, human interference, and hurricanes, Alula has been brought to near extinction in the wild. The objective is to accumulate international off-site (ex situ) samples from gardens and institutions to test the genetic diversity.

Final Presentation/Poster